Cars attended from across the country, representing big-dollar restos, freakishly clean survivors and rough-and-ready workhorses in an amazing display under cover at the Adelaide Showgrounds.

While most cars were primped and preened, others proudly displayed their history in dirt, but it was the Sunday at Willunga Hillclimb where the big Falcons were able clear their throats and growl. Despite some wet spots on the track, the Hillclimb was devoid of incident, with 1967 Bathurst winner Fred Gibson’s beaming smile almost outshining the cars. "These guys are flogging up a closed public road, then coming back down the main highway for another run," he said with enthusiasm. "You couldn’t do that in Victoria."

With the biennial event set to run on the Gold Coast in 2021, it will be another few years before it lobs back into SA, but it will certainly be remembered as a highlight in recent Nationals history.

A full report will feature in an upcoming issue of Unique Cars, but check out the photo gallery above in the meantime!